Dripping device for an absorption type refrigerator

ABSTRACT

A liquid outlet pipe extended from a lower end of a liquid storage reservoir  420  is communicated with a section in the proximity of a lower portion of a refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe  421 . A plurality of liquid outlet holes  426  are provided on an upper surface of the refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe  421 . Diameters of the liquid outlet holes  426  are differently determined depending on a distance between a communicated section of the liquid dispersing pipe  421  and the liquid storage reservoir  420 , in order to equalize an amount of refrigerant liquid flowing from the outlet holes  126 . When the liquid storage reservoir  420  is filled with the refrigerant liquid, the refrigerant liquid flows upward within the liquid dispersing pipe  421  so as to inject the refrigerant liquid in accordance with a liquid head pressure. This equalizes the amount of the refrigerant liquid injecting from each of the liquid outlet holes  426 , and flowing along an entire area of an evaporation coil  41  evenly so as to significantly ameliorate an evaporation capability.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an absorption type refrigerator inwhich an absorption cycle is formed with lithium bromide or the like asan absorption liquid medium, and particularly concerns to a drippingdevice improved so as to evenly drip the absorption liquid orrefrigerant liquid over an absorption device or evaporator.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART BEHIND THE INVENTION

In an absorption type refrigerator, a regenerator is provided to boil alow concentration absorption liquid so as to separate a highconcentration absorption liquid from a refrigerant vapor which is thencondensed to form a refrigerant liquid. The high concentrationabsorption liquid is sprayed over an outer surface of an absorption pipe(absorption coil) of an absorption device. When the refrigerant liquidis sprayed over an evaporation pipe (evaporation coil) of an evaporator,the refrigerant liquid evaporates to cool the chilled water runningthrough the evaporation pipe. Then, a pump is driven to feed the chilledwater to a heat exchanger so as to provide a cooling medium source. Thecooling water which gains the heat at the heat exchanger is cooled againat the evaporation pipe.

Meanwhile, the high concentration absorption liquid absorbs therefrigerant vapor to produce heat on the outer surface of the absorptionpipe. The heat thus produced is released from a cooling tower throughthe cooling water which is fed to the cooling tower by means of thepump.

The absorption liquid which absorbed the refrigerant liquid to changeinto the low concentration absorption liquid in the absorption device,is pumped back to the regenerator so as to form an absorption cycle.

In a dripping device in which the absorption liquid or the refrigerantliquid is dripped to the absorption pipe or the evaporation pipe, thereis provided a trough-shaped reservoir to circularly disperse thecondensed refrigerant liquid or the high concentration absorption liquidtoward the respective pipes to be dripped. A plurality of syphon pipesare further prepared by a sheet metal processing or tubing so as topluralistically distribute the liquid in the trough-shaped reservoir,and drip the respective liquids downwardly due to the action of syphon.

The syphon pipes are firmly fixed to the trough-shaped reservoir bymeans of, for example, welding or press-fit procedure, and activated byadjusting wetting degree and surface tension so that the dripping actionmay not be influenced by fluctuations of the liquid level stored by thetrough-shaped reservoir.

With the above structure, the liquid in the trough-shaped reservoir isdripped by the action of syphon. The action of syphon is greatlyinfluenced by a configuration and surface property (oxidized degree) ofthe syphon pipe and variations induced when assembling the syphon pipeto the trough-shaped reservoir, thus inviting variations in an amount ofthe dripped liquid due to varied dripping performance. This blocks thedripping liquid from evenly dispersing over the respective pipes so asto induce variations on an absorption and evaporation capability, thushindering a way to ensure a uniform performance on all absorption typerefrigerators produced in the manufacturing processes.

In order to obviate the above drawbacks, it has been considered topreviously heat the syphon pipe to change its oxidized degree to adjustthe wetting property so as to equalize the amount of the dripping liquidwhen assembling the syphon pipe to the trough-shaped reservoir. This,however, reduces the productivity with the added adjusting proceduresduring the assembling process.

In addition, the trough-shaped reservoir is in an upper open endedstructure so that its tilting degree significantly affects on the amountof the dripping liquid. In order not to change the liquid level in thetrough-shaped reservoir in which the syphon pipes are each secured tothe trough-shaped reservoir, it is necessary to install thetrough-shaped reservoir strictly in parallel with the horizontaldirection. This requires a demanding precision when adjustinghorizontality, thus deteriorating the workability when installing thesyphon pipes to the trough-shaped reservoir.

Therefore, the present invention has made with the above drawbacks inmind, it is a main object of the invention to provide a dripping devicefor an absorption type refrigerator which is capable of preciselydripping the liquid with a relatively simple structure while ensuring astable refrigerating capability without inviting any substantialvariations on an amount of the dripping liquid.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a dripping devicefor an absorption type refrigerator comprising: a regenerator meansprovided to separate a refrigerant vapor from an absorption liquidincluding a refrigerant by heating the absorption liquid; a condenserprovided to cool the refrigerant vapor so as to condense the refrigerantvapor which is separated from the regenerator means; an evaporatorprovided to evaporate a condensed refrigerant liquid under a lowerpressure; an absorption means provided so that the refrigerant vaporevaporated by the evaporator is absorbed by the absorption liquidsupplied by the regenerator means; a pumping means provided to returnthe absorption liquid from the absorption means to the regenerator meansso as to form an absorption cycle with the regenerator, the condenser,the evaporator and the absorption means; a dripping device provided todrip the refrigerant liquid toward an evaporation pipe in theevaporator, or dripping the absorption liquid toward an absorption pipein the absorption means; a liquid storage means provided to store theliquid to be dripped; a close-ended pipe positioned under the liquidstorage means and placed above the evaporation pipe or the absorptionpipe, so as to communicate with a lower end of the liquid storage means;and a liquid dispersing pipe having a plurality of holes located alongthe close-ended pipe so as to inject the liquid therethrough suppliedfrom the liquid storage means.

With the absorption cycle thus provided, the refrigerant vapor separatedfrom the absorption liquid is condensed to form the refrigerant liquidwhile the absorption liquid is heated to be concentrated at theregenerator.

The dripping device provided herein drips the refrigerant liquid towardan evaporation pipe in the evaporator, or dripping the absorption liquidtoward an absorption pipe in the absorption means.

The refrigerant liquid and the absorption liquid each stored in theliquid storage means is supplied to the liquid dispersing pipe(close-ended pipe) from the lower end of the liquid storage means. Dueto the fact that the plurality of outlet holes are provided with theliquid dispersing pipe along the close-ended pipe, the liquid is evenlydistributed when the liquid is injected from the plurality of outletholes.

With the liquid dispersing pipe located above the evaporation pipe orabsorption pipe, the liquid injected from the plurality of outlet holesevenly spreads over the evaporation pipe or absorption piperespectively.

The liquid spreading over the evaporation pipe gives heat to therefrigerant liquid to evaporate it, and the liquid spreading over theabsorption pipe deprives heat of the refrigerant vapor to release theheat.

With the liquid dispersing pipe used by forming the plurality of outletholes on the close-ended pipe, it is possible to distribute the liquidupon dripping it, thus eliminating the necessity of a multitude of sheetmetal pieces to significantly reduce the manufacturing cost.

With the liquid dispersing pipe communicated with the liquid storagemeans to inject the liquid under the pressure head, it is possible toequalize the amount of liquid injected through the plurality of outletholes without inviting variations depending on the outlet holes.

According to another aspect of the invention, the plurality of outletholes are perforated through an upper surface of the liquid dispersingpipe to inject the dripped liquid upward.

Due to the liquid injected from the upper surface of the liquiddispersing pipe, it is possible to flow down the liquid along the outersurfaces of the pipes, thus positively spreading the liquid extensivelywhile flowing down along the outer surfaces of the pipes. This makes itpossible to serve the liquid dispersing pipe as a topmost tier of theevaporation pipe or absorption pipe, thus making it possible to omit onetier from the evaporation pipe or absorption pipe.

With the holes oriented upward, it is possible to sink foreign matterson the bottom so as normally inject only the liquid when the foreignmatters get mixed with the liquid while performing the absorption cycle.This obviates the foreign matters from clogging the outlet holes, thusensuring a stable refrigerating performance.

According to another aspect of the invention, the liquid dispersing pipehas a circumferential outer surface section in which a plurality ofgroove-like sections are provided.

According to another aspect of the invention, the plurality ofgroove-like sections are formed by winding a line member or plate ribbonmember around the liquid dispersing pipe in the manner to stride theplurality of outlet holes alternately.

According to another aspect of the invention, the plurality ofgroove-like sections are formed by cutting the circumferential outersurface section of the liquid dispersing pipe in which each of theplurality of outlet holes is provided.

It is possible to regulate the spread of the liquid injected from theplurality of outlet holes by the groove-like sections. This introducesthe liquid in the direction guided by the groove-like sections due tothe surface tension against the groove-like sections.

In order to form the groove-like sections, it is possible to wind theline member or plate ribbon member around the liquid dispersing pipewith its outlet hole forming outer surface as a bottom section.

It is also possible to form the groove-like sections by cutting thecircumferential outer surface section of the liquid dispersing pipe. Inthis situation, the groove-like sections may be made by rotating thepipe-like member around its axis while applying a cutter to a pipe-likemember.

According to another aspect of the invention, the liquid dispersing pipehas a plurality of close-ended pipes which are arranged to overlap eachother, each of liquid inlet openings provided with the liquid storagemeans toward the plurality of close-ended pipes opens at differentliquid level.

With the liquid level relatively low in the liquid storage means, theliquid flows into the liquid dispersing pipe which opens only at a lowerliquid level within the liquid storage means without flowing into theliquid dispersing pipe which opens at a higher liquid level.

Therefore, it is possible to positively flow the liquid from the outletholes situated at the lower liquid level while no flow occurs from theoutlet holes situated at the higher liquid level. This means that theliquid injection occurs evenly from the plurality of outlet holes of theliquid dispersing pipe situated at the lower liquid level withoutconcentrating the flow only on a part of the outlet holes at the timewhen the liquid in the liquid storage means and circulating through theabsorption cycle is in short supply. This makes it possible to spreadthe liquid evenly over the evaporation pipe and the absorption pipe,thus maintaining a high evaporation and absorption capability thereon.

When the liquid in the liquid storage means is full, it is possible toflow the liquid into the outlet holes situated at the higher liquidlevel and fill all the outlet holes with the liquid so as to spread alarge amount of the liquid evenly over the evaporation pipe and theabsorption pipe.

According to another aspect of the invention, an open-ended pipeextended upward to open at an upper surface of the liquid dispersingpipe is connected to the liquid inlet opening opened at a lower liquidlevel in the liquid dispersing pipe within the liquid storage means ofthe evaporation pipe.

When the dripping device is used to what the refrigerant liquid isdripped toward the evaporation pipe, and the liquid in the liquiddispersing pipe situated at the lower liquid level evaporates within theliquid dispersing pipe before flowing out of the liquid dispersing pipeespecially at the very beginning of the absorption cycle, therefrigerant vapor finds an escape path leading to the open-ended pipe.By determining a diameter of the open-ended pipe satisfactorily large,and setting an extension length of the open-ended pipe long enough, itis possible to positively release only the refrigerant vapor from theliquid dispersing pipe without overflowing the refrigerant liquidtherefrom.

This obviates an admixture of the refrigerant liquid and vapor fromflowing out of the outlet holes at once so as to positively drip onlythe refrigerant liquid over the evaporation pipe.

As a result, this prevents the refrigerant liquid from releasing in vainwithin the evaporator so as not to reduce the refrigerating capabilitywhen the liquid is in short supply at the time of rising up theoperation.

According to another aspect of the invention, a syphon pipe is providedin the liquid dispersing pipe of the absorption pipe, one open end ofthe syphon pipe has one open end extending into the liquid dispersingpipe, and having the other open end exposing outside the liquiddispersing pipe at a level lower than a lower end of the liquiddispersing pipe.

With the liquid in the liquid dispersing pipe exhausted by the syphonpipe, it is possible to prevent the absorption liquid from residing inthe liquid dispersing pipe at the time of suspending the absorptioncycle. Therefore, no problem poses from residing the absorption liquidin the liquid dispersing pipe.

According to another aspect of the invention, the liquid dispersing pipeis shaped in the convoluted form of a single turn, one end of which ishigher in level than the other end, and the liquid dispersing pipe beingplaced under the liquid storage means but situated above an evaporationcoil and an absorption coil to be communicated with the lower end of theliquid storage means, and the plurality of outlet holes provided withthe liquid dispersing pipe are diametrically increased progressively asoriented upward while diametrically reduced successively as directeddownward.

Due to the fact that the liquid dispersing pipe has a difference inlevel, it is possible to equalize the amount of liquid injected fromeach of the outlet holes by diametrically increasing progressively theplurality of outlet holes provided with the liquid dispersing pipe asoriented upward while diametrically reducing successively as directeddownward.

According to another aspect of the invention, the plurality of outletholes provided with the liquid dispersing pipe progressively increasediametrically as a distance gains between a specified outlet hole of theplurality of outlet holes and a communicated section of the liquiddispersing pipe and the liquid storage means.

From the fact that the amount of liquid flowing from each of the outletholes increases as approaching the communicated section, it is possibleto equalize the amount of liquid injected from each of the outlet holesby increasing the outlet holes diametrically as the distance gainsbetween the specified outlet hole of the plurality of outlet holes andthe communicated section of the liquid dispersing pipe and the liquidstorage means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred forms of the present invention are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an air conditioner into which anabsorption type refrigerator is incorporated according to a firstembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of a high concentrationabsorption liquid spray tool and an absorption coil in an absorptionmeans;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the high concentration absorption liquid spraytool in the absorption means;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the absorption coil toexplain how an absorption liquid is dripped toward the absorption coilfrom the high concentration absorption liquid spray tool in theabsorption means;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of a refrigerant liquidspray tool and an evaporation coil in an evaporator;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the refrigerant liquid spray tool in theevaporator;

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the refrigerant liquid spraytool and the evaporation coil in the evaporator;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the evaporation coil toexplain how a refrigerant liquid is dripped toward the evaporation coilfrom the refrigerant liquid spray tool in the evaporator;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of a refrigerant liquidspray tool in the evaporator according to a second embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of a modified form of therefrigerant liquid spray tool in the evaporator;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged longitudinal cross sectional view of anabsorption liquid dispersing pipe of the high concentration absorptionliquid spray tool in the absorption means according to a thirdembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11a is a perspective view of the high concentration absorptionliquid spray tool in the absorption means;

FIG. 12 is a partly perspective view of a high concentration absorptionliquid spray tool in the absorption means or a refrigerant liquid spraytool in the evaporator according to a fourth embodiment of theinvention; and

FIG. 13 is a partly perspective view of a high concentration absorptionliquid spray tool in the absorption means or a refrigerant liquid spraytool in the evaporator according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NUMERALS 100 absorption type refrigerator 1 hightemperature regenerator (regenerator) 2 low temperature regenerator(regenerator) 3 absorption means (absorption device) 31 absorption coil32 high concentration absorption liquid spray tool (dripping device.)320 absorption liquid storage means (liquid storage reservoir) 321absorption liquid dispersing pipe (liquid dispersing pipe, close-endedpipe convoluted in shape of a single turn) 322 absorption liquid outletpipe 323 outlet holes (a plurality of holes) 324 groove-forming ring(line member, plate ribbon member, generally groove-like member) 324agroove-forming ring (line member, plate ribbon member, groove-likemember) 324b groove (generally groove-like member) 325 syphone pipe 4evaporator 41 evaporation coil 42 refrigerant liquid spray tool(dripping device) 420 refrigerant liquid storage means (liquid storagereservoir) 421 refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe (liquid dispersingpipe, close-ended pipe convoluted in shape of a single turn) 423, 424refrigerant outlet pipe 426 outlet holes (a plurality of holes) 427groove-forming ring (line member, plate ribbon member, generallygroove-like member) 428 open-ended pipe member 5 condenser P1 absorptionliquid pump (pump)

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1 which schematically shows an air conditioneraccording to the present invention, the air conditioner has anabsorption type refrigerator 100 as an outdoor apparatus and an indoorapparatus RU. The absorption type refrigerator 100 has a refrigerator101 and a cooling tower CT. The air conditioner is controlled by acontrol device 102.

The refrigerator 101 forms an absorption cycle for lithium bromideliquid which serves as a refrigerant and absorption liquid medium. Inthe refrigerator 101, a double harness type regenerator is providedwhich has a high temperature regenerator 1 having a gas-fired burner Bthereunder and a low temperature regenerator 2 placed to enclose thehigh temperature regenerator 1. Around the low temperature regenerator2, an absorption device 3 and an evaporator 4 are provided respectively.Above the absorption device 3, a condenser 5 is provided which isconnected to the aforementioned component parts through a multitude ofrefrigerant liquid running paths.

In the high temperature regenerator 1, a mid-concentration absorptionliquid separation cylinder 12 is placed above a heating tank 11 which isheated by the gas-fired burner B. A cylindrical refrigerant retrievetank 10 is placed to air-tightly embrace an upper open end of themid-concentration absorption liquid separation cylinder 12. When thegas-fired burner B heats a low concentration absorption liquid stored inthe heating tank 11 to evaporate aqueous component in the lowconcentration absorption liquid to separate it outside themid-concentration absorption liquid separation cylinder 12 as arefrigerant vapor (aqueous vapor). The low concentration absorptionliquid concentrated due to the aqueous evaporation is left at a storageportion 121 within the mid-concentration absorption liquid separationcylinder 12 while retrieving the separated refrigerant vapor by theretrieve tank 10.

The low temperature regenerator 2 has a low temperature regeneratorcylinder casing 20 eccentrically placed around the retrieve tank 10. Thelow temperature regenerator cylinder casing 20 has an upper open endportion, a peripheral area of which serves as an outlet opening 21 forthe refrigerant vapor.

The upper open end portion of the low temperature regenerator cylindercasing 20 is connected to the storage portion 121 of themid-concentration absorption liquid separation cylinder 12 by way of amid-concentration absorption liquid path L1 and a heat exchanger H.

Within the mid-concentration absorption liquid path L1, an orifice (notshown) is provided to regulate the mid-concentration absorption liquidflowing from the storage portion 121 to the low temperature regenerator2 so as to supply the mid-concentration absorption liquid to the lowtemperature regenerator cylinder casing 20 due to the pressuredifference against the mid-concentration absorption liquid separationcylinder 12.

In this instance, the pressure is represented by approx. 70 mmHg withinthe low temperature regenerator cylinder casing 20 while represented byapprox. 700 mmHg within the mid-concentration absorption liquidseparation cylinder 12.

At the low temperature regenerator 2, the mid-concentration absorptionliquid is reheated through an outer wall of the refrigerant retrievetank 10. The mid-concentration absorption liquid is separated into therefrigerant vapor and the high concentration absorption liquid at agas-liquid separation section 22 provided at an upper portion of the lowtemperature regenerator cylinder casing 20. The high concentrationabsorption liquid is stored by a high concentration absorption liquidsaucer 23.

Around the low temperature regenerator cylinder casing 20, anevaporation-absorption cylinder casing 30 and the condenser casing 50are concentrically provided air-tightly at a lower portion and upperportion thereof. The refrigerant retrieve tank 10, the low temperatureregenerator cylinder casing 20 and the evaporation-absorption cylindercasing 30 are welded together through a bottom plate 13 so as to formthe refrigerator 101.

In this situation, the low temperature regenerator cylinder casing 20 iscommunicated with the condenser casing 50 via the outlet opening 21 anda clearance 5A.

In the absorption device 3, an absorption coil 31 (althoughschematically depicted in FIG. 1) is placed within theevaporation-absorption cylinder casing 30 so as to flow the coolingwater therethrough. Above the absorption coil 31, a high concentrationabsorption liquid spray tool 32 is placed to drip the high concentrationabsorption liquid over the absorption coil 31.

In reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, described below is the absorption coil 31made of a copper metal in a first embodiment of the invention.

The absorption coil 31 of the absorption device 3 is vertically arrangedat regular pitches in double helical spiral configuration as shown inFIG. 2.

The high concentration absorption liquid spray tool 32 has an absorptionliquid storage reservoir 320 and an absorption liquid dispersing pipe321. The absorption liquid storage reservoir 320 receives the highconcentration absorption liquid supplied via a high concentrationabsorption liquid path L2 which is connected to the high concentrationabsorption liquid saucer 23 via the heat exchanger H. The absorptionliquid dispersing pipe 321 has two circular pipes concentricallydisposed immediately above the absorption coil 31 so as to drip theabsorption liquid evenly over the absorption coil 31. The absorptionliquid storage reservoir 320 and the absorption liquid dispersing pipe321 are each made of a stainless steel alloy.

At a bottom base of the absorption liquid storage reservoir 320, twoabsorption liquid outlet pipes 322 are provided which are communicatedwith the absorption liquid dispersing pipe 321 so as to distribute theabsorption liquid of the storage reservoir 320 to the absorption liquiddispersing pipe 321.

The absorption liquid dispersing pipe 321 is in the form of a singleturn convoluted pipe closed at both ends as shown in FIG. 3. Theabsorption liquid dispersing pipe 321 tilts along the topmost absorptioncoil 31 immediately above the absorption coil 31. An upper surface ofthe absorption liquid dispersing pipe 321 has a multitude of outletholes 323 in its axial direction so as to flow out the absorption liquidtherethrough.

In the absorption liquid dispersing pipe 321, a connection portionbetween the absorption liquid storage reservoir 320 and the absorptionliquid outlet pipes 322 positions at approx. one-third the diametricaldimension from a lower end of the absorption liquid dispersing pipe 321.

With the structure described above, the absorption liquid is injectedfrom the outlet holes 323 of the absorption liquid dispersing pipe 321due to the pressure head of the absorption liquid resided in the storagereservoir 320. This substantially equalizes an amount of the refrigerantliquid injected from the outlet holes 323 under the circumstances inwhich the absorption liquid dispersing pipe 321 is tilted along theabsorption coil 31.

This holds true when the high concentration absorption liquid spray tool32, i.e., the refrigerator 100 tilts by, for example, 1.0 degree againstthe horizontal direction at the time when installing the refrigerator100.

Considering the vertical relationship between the outlet holes 323 sincethe absorption liquid dispersing pipe 321 is tilted, it is possible todiametrically decrease the outlet holes 323 (e.g., ø0.6 mm)progressively as positioned downward while diametrically increasing theoutlet holes 323 (e.g., ø0.8 mm) progressively as positioned upward.This substantially equalizes the amount of liquid injected from theoutlet holes 323 due to the pressure head difference between the heightof the outlet holes 323 and the liquid level in the absorption liquidstorage reservoir 320.

In the absorption liquid dispersing pipe 321, groove-forming rings 324are circumferentially provided on the absorption liquid dispersing pipe321 in the manner to stride the outlet holes 323 alternately so as toform groove-like configurations. The groove-forming rings 324 are eachmade of a stainless steel line member, and press-fit into an outersurface of the absorption liquid dispersing pipe 321.

This gives the absorption liquid a tendency to flow toward thegroove-like configurations formed between the paired groove-formingrings 324, 324, and guiding the absorption liquid toward the absorptioncoil 31 in the downward direction opposite to where the outlet holes 323reside without flowing along the absorption liquid dispersing pipe 321as shown in FIG. 4.

Into the absorption device 3, the high concentration absorption liquidflows via the high concentration absorption liquid path L2 due to thepressure head difference. The high concentration absorption liquidflowed into the absorption device 3 is sprayed over the absorption coil31 by means of the high concentration absorption liquid spray tool 32.The high concentration absorption liquid sprayed over the absorptioncoil 31 flows in a film-like curtain downward under the influence ofgravity, and absorbing the aqueous vapor to transform into the lowconcentration absorption liquid. The heat induced when absorbing theaqueous vapor is cooled down by the cooling water circulating throughthe absorption coil 31. In this instance, the aqueous vapor absorbed bythe absorption liquid is due to the refrigerant vapor induced in theevaporator 4 as described hereinafter.

A bottom portion 33 of the absorption device 3 is communicated with abottom portion of the heating tank 11 at a low concentration absorptionliquid path L3, to which the heat exchanger H and the absorption liquidpump P1 are secured.

Due to the action of the pump P1, the low concentration absorptionliquid of the absorption device 3 is sent to the heating tank 11.Through the absorption coil 31, the cooling water circulates which iscooled by the cooling tower CT when implementing an air coolingoperation.

The evaporator 4 is in the form of a evaporation coil 41, and providedaround the absorption coil 31 through a cylindrical partition 40 whichhas a communication hole 40 a. Above the evaporation coil 41, arefrigerant liquid spray tool 42 is provided to circulate the lowtemperature water to implement the air warming and cooling operation. Inthis instance, a bottom portion 43 of the evaporator 4 is communicatedwith a bottom portion of the storage portion 121 of themid-concentration absorption liquid separation cylinder 12 via an airwarming absorption liquid path L4 in which an electromagnetic valve 6 isprovided.

In reference to FIGS. 5˜7, described below is the evaporator 4 in thefirst embodiment of the invention.

In the evaporator 4, as opposed to the absorption coil 31, theevaporation coil 41 is in the form of a single turn spiral configurationas shown in FIG. 5. The evaporation coil 41 is wound from its upperportion to lower portion in the clockwise direction without formingclearance between the respective line elements thereof.

The refrigerant liquid spray tool 42 of the evaporator 4 has arefrigerant liquid reservoir 420 and two refrigerant liquid dispersingpipes 421 (421 a, 421 b) each placed concentrically. The refrigerantliquid reservoir 420 receives the refrigerant liquid supplier from thecondenser 5 as described in detail hereinafter. The refrigerant liquiddispersing pipes 421 (421 a, 421 b) distribute the refrigerant liquidevenly to an inner and outer side of the evaporation coil 41 whendripping the refrigerant liquid stored in the refrigerant liquidreservoir 420. The refrigerant liquid reservoir 420 and the refrigerantliquid dispersing pipes 421 are each made of a stainless steel alloy.

On an outer area of a bottom base 422 of the refrigerant liquidreservoir 420, a refrigerant outlet; pipe 423 is provided to communicatewith the refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe 421 a. On an inner area ofthe bottom base 422 of the refrigerant liquid reservoir 420, arefrigerant outlet pipe 424 is provided to communicate with therefrigerant liquid dispersing pipe 421 b. A front end of the refrigerantoutlet pipe 424 vertically extends within the refrigerant liquidreservoir 420 so as to form an elevated opening 425.

The elevated opening 425 has such a shape as the front end of therefrigerant outlet pipe 424 is sectioned slantwisely against its axialdirection. Such is the elevated opening 425 that the surface tensiondoes not block the refrigerant liquid flowing from the refrigerantliquid reservoir 420 to the elevated opening 425.

When the liquid level of the refrigerant liquid reservoir 420 is lowerthan the elevated opening 425 of the refrigerant outlet pipe 424, therefrigerant liquid in the reservoir 420 is supplied to the refrigerantliquid dispersing pipe 421 a via the refrigerant outlet pipe 423 withoutintroducing it into the refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe 421 b. Onlywhen the liquid level of the refrigerant liquid reservoir 420 is higherthan the elevated opening 425 of the refrigerant outlet pipe 424, therefrigerant liquid in the reservoir 420 is supplied to the refrigerantliquid dispersing pipe 421 b via the refrigerant outlet pipe 424.

The refrigerant liquid dispersing pipes 421 a, 421 b are concentricallylocated on a topmost portion of the evaporation coil 41. Each of therefrigerant liquid dispersing pipes 421 a, 421 b is in the form of asingle turn spiral configuration with both ends closed as shown in FIGS.6 and 7. The refrigerant liquid dispersing pipes 421 a, 421 b are woundsuch that they descend while turning spirally in the clockwisedirection. On an upper surface of the refrigerant liquid dispersingpipes 421 a, 421 b, a multitude of outlet holes 426 are provided toinject the refrigerant liquid supplied thereto.

A connection portion between the bottom base of the refrigerant liquidreservoir 420 and the refrigerant outlet pipes 423, 424 is located inthe proximity of the descended ends of the refrigerant liquid dispersingpipes 421.

Considering the vertical relationship between the outlet holes 426 sincethe refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe 421 is tilted, it is possible todiametrically decrease the outlet holes 426 progressively as positioneddownward while diametrically increasing the outlet holes 426progressively as positioned upward. This substantially equalizes theamount of the refrigerant liquid injected from the outlet holes 426 dueto the pressure head difference between the height of the outlet holes426 and the liquid level in the refrigerant liquid reservoir 420.

By progressively increasing the diameter of the outlet holes 426 asbeing away from the connection portion between the refrigerant liquidreservoir 420 and the refrigerant outlet pipes 423, 424, it is possibleto equalize the amount of the refrigerant liquid injected from theoutlet holes 426.

In the same manner as the high concentration absorption liquid spraytool 32, the refrigerant liquid is injected from the outlet holes 426 ofthe refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe 421 in the refrigerant liquidspray tool 42. This is due to the pressure head of the absorption liquidresided in the refrigerant liquid reservoir 420. This substantiallyequalizes an amount of the refrigerant liquid injected from the outletholes 426 under the circumstances in which the refrigerant liquiddispersing pipe 121 is tilted along the evaporation ccil 41.

This holds true when the refrigerant liquid spray tool 42, i.e., therefrigerator 100 tilts by, for example, 1.0 degree against thehorizontal direction at the time when installing the absorption typerefrigerator 100.

In the refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe 421, groove-forming rings 427are circumferentially provided on the refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe421 between each of the outlet holes 426 so as to form groove-likeconfigurations. The groove-forming rings 427 are each made of astainless steel line member, and press-fit into an outer surface of therefrigerant liquid dispersing pipe 421.

This gives the refrigerant liquid the tendency to run toward thegroove-like configurations formed between the paired groove-formingrings 427, 427, and guiding the refrigerant liquid toward theevaporation coil 41 in the downward direction opposite to where theoutlet holes 426 reside without diverting along the refrigerant liquiddispersing pipe 421 as shown in FIG. 8.

In the evaporation device 4, when the refrigerant liquid (water) isdripped over the evaporation coil 41 by means of the refrigerant liquidspray tool 42 at the time of implementing the air cooling operation. Therefrigerant liquid dripped over the evaporation coil 41 flows downwardunder the influence of gravity while forming a film-like curtain overthe evaporation coil 41 due to the surface tension. Then, therefrigerant liquid deprives the heat of the evaporation coil 41 placedwithin the evaporation-absorption cylinder casing 30 in which thepressure is represented by e.g., 6.5 mmHg. The refrigerant liquidevaporates to cool down the low temperature water circulating throughthe evaporation coil

In this instance, the refrigerant liquid flow out upward first and thenspreads over the refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe 421 before drippingalong the evaporation coil 41. This ameliorates an efficiency of theliquid dispersion performance.

The condenser 5 has a cooling coil 51 placed within the condenser casing50 to circulate the cooling water cooled by the cooling tower CT.

The condenser casing 50 communicates with the lower end 14 of therefrigerant retrieve tank 10 via a refrigerant passage path L5 in whichan orifice (not shown) is provided to regulate the refrigerant flowingfrom the retrieve tank 10 to the condenser casing 50. The condensercasing 50 also communicates with the low temperature regenerator 2 viathe clearance 5A and the outlet opening 21 for the refrigerant vapor.The refrigerant is supplied by the pressure difference (approx. 70within the condenser casing).

The refrigerant vapor supplied to the condenser casing 50 is condensedto form a liquid by means of the cooling coil 51. A lower portion of thecondenser 5 communicates with the refrigerant liquid spray tool 42 byway of a refrigerant liquid supply path L6. The vaporized refrigerant issupplied to the refrigerant liquid spray tool 42 via a refrigerantcooling device (not shown).

The absorption liquid circulates from the high temperature regenerator1→mid-concentration absorption liquid path L1→low temperatureregenerator 2→high concentration absorption liquid path L2→absorptiondevice 3→absorption liquid pump P1→low concentration absorption liquidpath L3 again to the high temperature regenerator 1.

The refrigerant liquid circulates from the high temperature regenerator1 (refrigerant vapor)→refrigerant passage path L5 (refrigerant vapor) orlow temperature regenerator 2 (refrigerant vapor)→condenser 5(refrigerant liquid)→refrigerant liquid supply path L6 (refrigerantliquid)→refrigerant liquid spray tool 42 (refrigerant liquid)→evaporator4 (refrigerant vapor)→absorption device 3 (absorption liquid)→absorptionliquid pump P1→low concentration absorption liquid path L3 again to thehigh temperature regenerator 1.

The absorption coil 31 and the cooling coil 51 are connected to form aconsecutive coil which is further connected to the cooling tower CT viaa cooling water path 34 so as to form a cooling water circulation path.

In the cooling water path 34 between an inlet of the absorption coil 31and the cooling tower CT, a cooling water pump P2 is provided to feedthe cooling water to the consecutive coil. The cooling water runningthrough the consecutive coil is sent to the cooling tower CT whiledepriving the heat of the absorption coil 31 and the cooling coil 51respectively.

Upon implementing the air cooling operation, the cooling water pump P2circulates the cooling water from the cooling tower CT→cooling waterpump P2→absorption coil 31→cooling coil 51 again to the cooling towerCT.

Within the cooling tower CT, cooling water is self-cooled by evaporatinga part of the cooling water outside the cooling tower CT. The heat isreleased from the cooling water to form a heat-releasing cycle. Theaqueous evaporation is facilitated by a blower S.

To the evaporation coil 41 of the evaporator 4, an air conditioning heatexchanger 44 disposed in the indoor apparatus RU is connected by way ofa low temperature water path 47 in which a low temperature water pump P3is provided.

The low temperature water cooled down by the evaporation coil 41circulates from the evaporation coil 41→low temperature water path47→air conditioning heat exchanger 44→low temperature water path 47→lowtemperature water pump P3 again to the evaporation coil 41.

Within the indoor apparatus RU, a blower 46 is provided to introduce theair indoor through the air conditioning heat exchanger 44.

An air warming absorption liquid path L4 and electromagnetic valve 6 areused to implement the air warming operation by opening theelectromagnetic valve 6 while driving the absorption liquid pump P1.

With the absorption liquid pump P1 thus driven, the mid-concentrationabsorption liquid flows into the evaporator 4 from the storage portion121 of the mid-concentration absorption liquid separation cylinder 12.The mid-concentration absorption liquid flowed into the evaporator 4heats the low temperature water circulating through the evaporation coil41 to be fed to the air conditioning heat exchanger 44 via the lowtemperature water path 47 so as to serve as an air warming mediumsource.

With the use of the absorption liquid pump P1, the mid-concentrationabsorption liquid is fed from the evaporator 4 to the absorption device3 via the communication hole 40 a of the partition 40 to return to theheating tank 11.

With the high concentration absorption liquid spray tool 32 and therefrigerant liquid spray tool 42 each provided by the liquid reservoirs320, 420 and the liquid dispersing pipes 321, 421 on which the outletholes 323, 426 are formed, it is possible to significantly reduce thenumber of component parts. Due to the fact that the outlet holes 323,426 are provided by simply drilling the close-ended pipe, this leads toa significant manufacturing cost reduction.

The outlet holes 323, 426 on the liquid dispersing pipes 321, 421 aresuch that the liquid spreads over the liquid dispersing pipes 321, 421.This makes it possible to omit a single turn of the absorption coil 31and the evaporation coil 41 to make them compact as a whole because thepipes 321, 421 serve as the topmost tiers of the absorption coil 31 andthe evaporation coil 41.

Due to the fact that the liquid is injected from the outlet holes 323,426 with the use of the pressure head, it is possible to normally injectthe liquid when the refrigerator 100 is tilted in some degree againstthe horizontal plane at the time of installing the absorption typerefrigerator 100. It is also possible to equalize the amount ofrefrigerant liquid injected from the outlet holes 323, 426. Thiseliminates the necessity of strictly attending to the horizontality,thus improving the workability at the time of installing the absorptiontype refrigerator 100.

FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the invention. In the refrigerantliquid spray tool 42 which drips the refrigerant liquid over theevaporation coil 41, it is aimed to mitigate the refrigerant liquidcoupled with the vapor from flowing out of the refrigerant liquiddispersing pipe 421 particularly when the refrigerant liquid is in shortsupply and evaporates in the refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe 421 atthe very time of starting the air cooling operation.

In more concrete terms, an open-ended pipe 428 is provided on therefrigerant liquid dispersing pipe 421 located between the refrigerantliquid reservoir 420 and the distal end of the refrigerant liquiddispersing pipe 421. The open-ended pipe 428 escapes the refrigerantvapor to drop the pressure within the refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe421. In the second embodiment of the invention, the open-ended pipe 428is placed at two locations on the refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe 421a.

The open-ended pipe 428 has a slantwise open section 428 a piercedthrough an upper surface of the refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe 421 athereinto, and secured to refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe 421 a bymeans of welding or soldering. The open-ended pipe 428 has a diameter(e.g., ø1.0 mm) greater than each of the outlet holes 426.

This substantially helps escape the refrigerant vapor out of therefrigerant liquid dispersing pipe 421 a via the open-ended pipe 428even when the refrigerant liquid evaporates before flowing out of theoutlet holes 426, thus preventing the refrigerant liquid coupled withthe vapor from flowing out of the refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe 421a.

It is to be noted that instead of preparing the discrete open-ended pipe428, the open-ended pipe may be vertically extend integrally from theupper surface or the refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe 421 a as shownin FIG. 10.

The height of the open-ended pipe 428 is greater than the one positionedhighest among the outlet holes 426, so as not to overflow therefrigerant liquid via the open-ended pipe 428 upon implementing theair-cooling operation.

With the open-ended pipe 428 provided on the refrigerant liquiddispersing pipe 421, it is possible to mitigate the refrigerant liquidfrom inadvertently flowing out of the refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe421 especially under the circumstances that the refrigerant liquid islikely to evaporate in the refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe 421 at thevery time of starting the air cooling operation. This ensures a goodcooling capability for the evaporator 4 so as to positively cool the lowtemperature water circulating the evaporation coil 41, thus maintaininga required cooling capability upon rising up the air cooling operation.

FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of the invention. In the highconcentration absorption liquid spray tool 32 of the absorption device3, a syphon pipe 325 is provided in the proximity of an upper surface ofthe distal ends of the absorption liquid dispersing pipe 321.

As shown in FIG. 11a, the syphon pipe 325 is in the form of an invertedJ-shape configuration. The syphon pipe 325 has a short pipe 325 a and along pipe 325 b. The short pipe 325 a has a slantwise open end whichpierces an upper surface of the distal lower end of the absorptionliquid dispersing pipe 321 to penetrate thereinto. A lower end of thelong pipe 325 b positions lower than a lower surface of the absorptionliquid dispersing pipe 321 to drip out the absorption liquid therein bymeans of the syphon action. Once the liquid level in the absorptionliquid reservoir 320 reaches a curved portion 325 c of the syphon pipe325 which is the highest portion thereof, the syphon action iscontinuously implemented.

This exhausts the absorption liquid resided in the absorption liquidstorage reservoir 320 and the absorption liquid dispersing pipe 321 atthe time of suspending the absorption cycle. This prevents the outletholes 323 from clogging due to the absorption liquid residue beingcrystallized.

It is to be noted that the groove-forming plate ring may be provided onthe absorption liquid dispersing pipe 321.

FIG. 12 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention. In the absorptionliquid dispersing pipe 321 and the refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe421, a groove-forming plate ring 324 a is used in the form of stainlesssteel plate ribbon member instead of the line member 324 (427). In orderto positively determine the interval between the plate ribbon memberswith the outlet hole 323 (426) interposed therebetween, the plate ribbonmembers are each made of one sheet of metal plate, a middle area ofwhich is blanked to form a blanked section. Both lateral sides of themetal plate join at the lower portion of the absorption liquiddispersing pipe 321 with the blanked section corresponded to the outlethole 323 (426).

Upon flowing the absorption liquid or refrigerant liquid out of theoutlet holes 323 (426), the liquid is regulated its orientation withinthe groove-forming plate ring 324 a while dripping over the absorptioncoil 31. For this reason, it is possible to attain the same advantagesobtained by the previous embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 13 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention. Around the absorptionliquid dispersing pipe 321 and the refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe421, a groove 324 b is provided by circumferentially cutting an outersurface of the pipes (close-ended pipes) 321, 421 including the area inwhich the outlet hole 323 (426) resides. The groove 324 b serves as agroove-forming ring, and categorically belongs in the line member 324(427) and the plate ribbon member 324 a.

With the presence of the groove 324 b, it is possible to regulate theliquid its orientation within the groove 324 b.

Alternatively, a wick-like string may be fasten to the absorption liquiddispersing pipe 321 and the refrigerant liquid dispersing pipe 421respectively. Otherwise, a helical coil may be fit around the outersurface of the absorption liquid dispersing pipe 321 end the refrigerantliquid dispersing pipe 421 respectively.

It is to be appreciated that one of the two refrigerant liquiddispersing pipes 421 a, 421 b may be omitted in the refrigerant liquidspray tool 42 of the evaporator 4.

It is to be noted that instead of the self-cooling type cooling tower CTprovided in the cooling water path 34, a close loop type cooling waterdevice may be used in which the cooling water path 34 is not exposed tothe atmospheric environment.

It is further to be noted that the evaporation pipe and absorption pipemay be in the form of serpentine in which a single long pipe meanders inthe up-and-down direction.

It is furthermore to be noted that in addition to the air conditioningheat exchanger 44, an air warming heat exchanger apparatus may beprovided to warm the air once cooled by the air conditioning heatexchanger 44 in an aim to reducing humidity without dropping a roomtemperature.

It is to be observed that the dripping device may be used not only tothe absorption type refrigerator but also to a general refrigerator andfreezer in wide application.

It is possible to apply not merely the double harness type regeneratorin which the low and high temperature regenerators 1, 2 are used butalso a single harness regenerator may be used in which only one singleregenerator is used. In lieu of the gas-fired burner, an oil-firedburner or an electrical heater may be used.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In the present invention, it is possible to drip the refrigerant liquidevenly over the evaporation pipe and the absorption pipe respectively.This prevents the refrigerant liquid from differently spreading orwetting against the pipes depending on each refrigerator produced in themanufacturing process, thus significantly reducing the variations on therefrigerating capability.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dripping apparatus for an absorption typerefrigerator comprising: a regenerator means provided to separate arefrigerant vapor from an absorption liquid including a refrigerant byheating the absorption liquid; a condenser provided to cool therefrigerant vapor so as to condense the refrigerant vapor which isseparated from the regenerator means; an evaporator provided toevaporate a condensed refrigerant liquid under a lower pressure; anabsorption means provided so that the refrigerant vapor evaporated bythe evaporator is absorbed by the absorption liquid supplied by theregenerator means; a pumping means provided to return the absorptionliquid from the absorption means to the regenerator means so as to forman absorption cycle with the regenerator, the condenser, the evaporatorand the absorption means; a dripping device provided to drip therefrigerant liquid toward an evaporation pipe in the evaporator, ordripping the absorption liquid toward an absorption pipe in theabsorption means; the dripping device comprising: a liquid storage meansprovided to store the liquid to be dripped; a close-ended pipepositioned under the liquid storage means and placed above theevaporation pipe or the absorption pipe, so as to communicate with alower end of the liquid storage means; and a liquid dispersing pipehaving a plurality of holes located along the close-ended pipe so as toinject the liquid therethrough supplied from the liquid storage means.2. A dripping apparatus for an absorption type refrigerator as recitedin claim 1, wherein the plurality of holes are perforated through anupper surface of the liquid dispersing pipe to inject the dripped liquidupward.
 3. A dripping apparatus for an absorption type refrigerator asrecited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid dispersing pipe has acircumferential outer surface section in which a plurality ofgroove-like sections are provided.
 4. A dripping apparatus for anabsorption type refrigerator as recited in claim 3, wherein theplurality of groove-like sections are formed by winding a line member orplate ribbon member around the liquid dispersing pipe in the manner tostride the plurality of holes alternately.
 5. A dripping apparatus foran absorption type refrigerator as recited in claim 3, wherein theplurality of groove-like sections are formed by cutting thecircumferential outer surface section of the liquid dispersing pipe inwhich each of the plurality of holes is provided.
 6. A drippingapparatus for an absorption type refrigerator as recited in any ofclaims 1-2, wherein the liquid dispersing pipe has a plurality ofclose-ended pipes which are arranged to overlap each other, each ofliquid inlet openings provided with the liquid storage means toward theplurality of close-ended pipes, opening at a different liquid level. 7.A dripping apparatus for an absorption type refrigerator as recited inclaim 6, wherein an open-ended pipe extended upward to open at an uppersurface of the liquid dispersing pipe is connected to the liquid inletopening opened at a lower liquid level in the liquid dispersing pipewithin the liquid storage means of the evaporation pipe.
 8. A drippingapparatus for an absorption type refrigerator as recited in any of claim1-2, wherein a syphon pipe is provided in the liquid dispersing pipe ofthe absorption pipe, one open end of the syphon pipe has one open endextending into the liquid dispersing pipe, and having the other open endexposing outside the liquid dispersing pipe at a level lower than alower end of the liquid dispersing pipe.
 9. A dripping apparatus for anabsorption type refrigerator as recited in any of claim 1-2, wherein theliquid dispersing pipe is shaped in the convoluted form of a singleturn, one end of which is higher in level than the other end, and theliquid dispersing pipe being placed under the liquid storage means butsituated above an evaporation coil and an absorption coil to becommunicated with the lower end of the liquid storage means, and theplurality of holes provided with the liquid dispersing pipe arediametrically increased progressively as oriented upward whilediametrically reduced successively as directed downward.
 10. A drippingapparatus for an absorption type refrigerator as recited in any ofclaims 1-2, wherein the plurality of holes provided with the liquiddispersing pipe progressively increase diametrically as a distance gainsbetween a specified hole of the plurality or holes and a communicatedsection of the liquid dispersing pipe and the liquid storage means. 11.A dripping apparatus for an absorption type refrigerator as recited inclaim 3, wherein the liquid dispersing pipe has a plurality ofclose-ended pipes which are arranged to overlap each other, each ofliquid inlet openings provided with the liquid storage means toward theplurality of close-ended pipes opening at a different liquid level. 12.A dripping apparatus for an absorption type refrigerator as recited inclaim 4, wherein the liquid dispersing pipe has a plurality ofclose-ended pipes which are arranged to overlap each other, each ofliquid inlet openings provided with the liquid storage means toward theplurality of close-ended pipes opening at a different liquid level. 13.A dripping apparatus for an absorption type refrigerator as recited inclaim 5, wherein the liquid dispersing pipe has a plurality ofclose-ended pipes which are arranged to overlap each other, each ofliquid inlet openings provided with the liquid storage means toward theplurality of close-ended pipes opening at a different liquid level.